Holloway 'Delighted' With Gayle Deal

I think he’ll score goals at Premier League level, I really do. He’s born to score goals."

Ian Holloway

Crystal Palace manager Ian Holloway says he is “absolutely delighted” with the signing of Peterborough United striker Dwight Gayle.

As revealed on cpfc.co.uk this afternoon, the 22-year-old has penned a four-year deal at Selhurst Park, after Palace agreed an undisclosed fee with the League One outfit.

The youngster, who scored 13 goals in 29 games for the Posh last season, becomes the club’s second permanent signing of the summer, following the arrival of Stephen Dobbie.

And Holloway believes Gayle can go on to have a big impact in the Premier League this coming season.

Speaking to club’s website, the gaffer said: “I’m absolutely delighted. I was very annoyed when we didn’t get him last year to be honest. But now it makes a huge statement for us and it proves that I don’t care where I get my people from. I believe it’s about how good you’re going to be, not just how good you are already.

“I think this fella has got Crystal Palace stamped all over him – the way he moves, the way he chases, the way he works. He’s hungry for success and I’m absolutely thrilled that after long conversations we’ve come up with, I think, a proper Palace player.

“He’s got an opportunity now to go and enjoy his football and I think he’ll score goals at Premier League level, I really do. He’s born to score goals.

“Goals from certain people just keep happening, it doesn’t matter which level you start at, they just keep happening. I think the way he plays, from what I’ve studied and games I’ve seen him, the boy moves like a top player. It’s now about helping him deal with the top level against top defenders.

“My chairman went in with a brief – don’t come out of the room without getting him – and I’m thankful, very, very thankful. He’s given us a goalscorer of the future in our team right now, which is priceless.”